Ambassador Victor Gbeho, New President of ECOWAS Commission, Assumes Duty

22 Mar 2010 15:07 Africa/Lagos

Ambassador Victor Gbeho, new president of ECOWAS commission, assumes duty


ABUJA, March 22, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The new President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho on Friday, 12th March 2010 assumed duty at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja, three weeks after his unanimous election by the 37th Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the 15 Member States.


In a familiarization meeting with ECOWAS statutory appointees and heads of directorates shortly after his arrival, Ghanaian-born Gbeho expressed delight at the opportunity of meeting the management team of the Commission. He said he was looking forward to a harmonious working relationship with the entire staff in order to accomplish the goals of ECOWAS and thereby improve the lives of the citizens of the ECOWAS Community.


Ambassador Gbeho said he was “bringing to the table my experience over the years and the energy that we can develop together”.


A retired career diplomat and politician, Ambassador Gbeho is taking over from Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, to complete Ghana's tenure as the chief executive officer of the Commission, following the latter's appointment as the General Secretary of the ACP in Brussels.


Ambassador Gbeho worked in the then Ghana Foreign and Commonwealth Service and later the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has served in various capacities at Ghana's Diplomatic Missions abroad as well as in the Ministry in Accra, Ghana.


Some of his postings include the Ghana Missions in China, India, Nigeria, New York (UN/USA), Germany, United Kingdom and Geneva (UN/Switzerland), holding such posts as the Deputy High Commissioner to the Court of St. James (U.K.), Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the European Offices of the United Nations in Geneva, with concurrent accreditation to UNIDO in Vienna, Austria, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations in New York and concurrently accredited to Cuba, Jamaica as well as Trinidad and Tobago.


Ambassador Gbeho also held various positions during his tenure in Geneva as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the European Offices of the United Nations and was also concurrently accredited to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria.


He is also bringing to the ECOWAS Commission his experience as a special peace envoy having been appointed as the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General in Somalia from 1994 to 1995 and between 1995 and 1996 Special Representative of the Chairman of ECOWAS in Liberia.


In Liberia, he exercised political oversight and responsibility necessary for the implementation of the agreements reached at the Akosombo Talks and the subsequent Accra Clarification Talks for the return of peace to the war-torn country.


In that respect, Ambassador Gbeho worked closely with the then ECOWAS Secretariat and ECOMOG. He also led the ECOWAS Team that negotiated the Status of Forces Agreement with the Government of Charles Taylor in 1996.


Source: Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS)

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
22 Mar 2010
15:07
Ambassador Victor Gbeho, new president of ECOWAS commission, assumes duty
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President Barack Obama Speaks on Historic Health Care Reform

President Barack Obama's Statement on the historic approval of legislation providing healthcare to more Americans than ever before.

For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.



Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:

Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.

Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.

And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.

But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.

It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.

It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.

And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.

This is what change looks like.

My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.

This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.

Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.

We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.

Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.

Health care reform: 'A Small Step For Today. A Giant Step For Tomorrow'

22 Mar 2010 03:32 Africa/Lagos


'A Small Step For Today. A Giant Step For Tomorrow'

Courageous Vote in House Lays Foundation for a Health Care System We Can Take Pride In.

WASHINGTON, .March 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Health care reform is on its way and here to stay - but the work toward building a health care system that serves the people instead of the special interests has just begun, USAction said Sunday.


USAction Executive Director Jeff Blum praised the House for what he called a "courageous, history-making vote that will make Americans stronger and more secure."


"This is a small step for today and a giant step for tomorrow," Blum said. "But make no mistake: special interests and opponents of reform will be organizing from day one to repeal this bill and take away our access to affordable health care. Our job is to stand our ground and not let that happen."


Blum said consumers will realize some of the benefits of health care reform almost immediately, such as stopping insurance companies from cancelling coverage retroactively when a person gets sick, and putting lifetime limits on the dollar value of benefits.


Other short- and long-term benefits of health care reform include reducing drug costs for seniors, saving money for small business owners, preventing insurance companies from denying care based on pre-existing conditions, lowering the growth trajectory of health insurance costs and expanding coverage for uninsured people.


"With this historic vote for health care reform, Americans will live longer, health care will be more affordable and we all will enjoy a higher quality of life," said USAction President William McNary, who has worked in the trenches for health care reform for decades and helped lead the 1993-94 effort. "This is a victory of people over profits, hope over fear and change over the status quo."


NOTE TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA: USAction affiliates and partners in more than two dozen states will engage in "thank you" events at home beginning Monday. Affiliates and partners will be holding various activities to thank members who voted in favor of health care reform. For a complete list of events, please contact David Elliot at 202-607-7036 or delliot@usaction.org


In 2008, USAction co-founded Health Care for America Now, the nation's largest health care reform campaign with more than 1,100 coalition partners. In 2009, USAction affiliates and partners, with the help of their state HCAN coalitions, generated nearly half a million grassroots contacts to Congress, organized or supported 480 town hall meetings and forums and turned out 70,997 supporters to 1,785 Congressional outreach activities, including town halls, lobby visits, grassroots call-in days, petition deliveries, press conferences and letter-writing campaigns.


Source: USAction

CONTACT: David Elliot at 202-607-7036 or delliot@usaction.org


Web Site: http://www.usaction.gov/

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Can America Save Nigeria Before It is Too Late?

Perennial massacres of Christians by Hausa Fulani Muslims in Nigeria have been going on for decades and was responsible for the Nigerian civil war from 1967-1970.

Can America Save Nigeria Before It is Too Late?

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima


The U.S. State Department recently denied a Nigerian newspaper report that President Barack Obama is preparing American troops for a “special intervention” in Nigeria to save Christians after the gruesome massacre of over 500 Christians by Hausa Fulani Muslims in Plateau state. See the gory pictures here.

President Barack Obama of the United States of America.

The Nigerian Compass newspaper is owned by a south-western state government under the control of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). It reported that its story was deduced from statements made by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) chief, General William Ward; that the U.S. would intervene before sectarian violence precipitates Nigeria into chaos. The horrifying pictures of how hundreds of defenceless Christians were attacked and slaughtered at midnight and their homes razed provoked worldwide condemnation with the premonition of genocide reminiscent of Rwanda looming large among millions of native Christians in the middle belt and northern states of Nigeria.

Am outraged President Barack Obama ordered for a thorough investigation of the massacre and that the perpetrators must be found and punished. This was enough to make Nigerians conclude that the U.S. would intervene to stop the incessant attacks and killings of innocent Christians by Hausa Fulani Muslims.

“In a word, flabbergasted. This story is a complete fabrication. There are no U.S. troops being prepared to intervene in Nigeria. We have checked with AFRICOM and General Ward has made no such statement,” said Russell Brooks, press officer for the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs.
“Yes, the U.S. does have legitimate concerns about the political situation there. And we have expressed those on the record. And we are doing what we can to encourage Nigeria to remain on a democratic path, to retain its constitutional values. And we have done nothing to suggest that our concerns are only based on our desire to retain it as a source of dependable oil production or that we are only concerned about the potential for terrorism coming from Nigeria,” he explained.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton provoked the Nigerian government after her last visit in 2009 when she accused government law enforcement agencies of being ruthlessly corrupt and guilty of violations of human rights. The situation worsened when the Nigerian Al Qaeda terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was caught aboard the Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day and subsequently Nigeria was put on the terror watch list. Then the State Department told American citizens to leave the northern region of the country where Islamists have been attacking and murdering thousands of Christians and razing many churches. The directive alarmed the Nigerian government and fueled rumours of plans of United States military action against terrorists in northern Nigeria. Unclassified information circulated that hundreds of C.I.A. agents have been sent to investigate links to the Al Qaeda in northern Nigeria. An American who arrived Lagos, Nigeria on the first week of 2010 told this reporter that indeed hundreds of C.I.A. agents were combing Nigeria for suspects.

The Voice of America (VOA) reported Russell saying the United States knew that the creation of AFRICOM could be misinterpreted as an attempt to “bring the war on terrorism to the African continent, so the U.S. could more easily intervene into conflicts.”

He said that the mission of AFRICOM is to “increase the capacity of African militaries to conduct legitimate external and internal defense, for instance, to combat terrorism, to protect…borders, to respond in a case of humanitarian disasters.”

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan

The U.S. has pledged to support Acting President Goodluck Jonathan since the incapacitated President Umaru Yar’Adua can no longer continue to serve as the commander-in-chief of Nigeria. Former President George W. Bush was recently in Nigeria. And his visit reinforced the fears of Nigerians that the U.S. President that commanded the invasion and occupation of Iraq in the war on terror was a warning that America is going to target terrorists in the country.

President Umaru Yar’Adua is no longer fit to rule.

It is on record that the U.S. did not invite President Umaru Yar’Adua to the inauguration of President Barack Obama and instead invited the leader of the main opposition party, the ex-military head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(Rtd), who is also Hausa Fulani Muslim from the same Katsina state of the incapacitated President, but he is feared in Nigeria for his uncompromising stance against corruption.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(Rtd)

The party of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(Rtd) lost the last presidential election to the ruling party, but the U.S. government and majority of the local and international monitors rejected the result of the massively rigged election. Majority of people said Buhari would have won if the election was free and fair. He took his case to the Election Tribunal, but suspended his petitions when he lost confidence in the tribunal and chose to contest in the next presidential election in 2011 and from popular opinion polls he is favoured to be the next President of Nigeria since the northern region is still expected to produce a replacement to complete the two terms given to President Umaru Yar’Adua. But would another Muslim head state support the political interests of the U.S. in Nigeria?

Liz Carpenter, Noted Author, Humorist, and Former White House Aide, Dies at Age 89

20 Mar 2010 22:33 Africa/Lagos

Liz Carpenter, Noted Author, Humorist, and Former White House Aide, Dies at Age 89

AUSTIN, Texas, March 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The family of Liz Carpenter announces that Elizabeth "Liz" Carpenter, 89, passed away at 9:15 a.m. (CDT) on March 20, 2010, at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas. The cause of death was pneumonia. Carpenter was born on September 1, 1920 in Salado, Texas.

Carpenter's immediate survivors are a daughter, Christy Carpenter, of New York City, executive vice president and chief operating officer of The Paley Center for Media, a son, Scott Carpenter, a retired Vashon, Washington, community leader, and two grandchildren, The Rev. Les Carpenter of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Bonnie Bizzell of Seattle, Washington.

The LBJ Library is hosting a webpage about the life and legacy of Liz Carpenter at www.lbjlibrary.org/carpenter. This website will have Carpenter's obituary, photographs, archival material, and videos. This information may be downloaded and used by the news media and the public free of charge.

Source: Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation

CONTACT: For Carpenter's family: Paula Stout, +1-650-283-6727,
paulastout@comcast.net; or for LBJ Library website information about Liz
Carpenter: Anne Wheeler of LBJ Library, +1-512-731-2351,
awheeler@lbjfoundation.org
Web site: http://www.lbjlib.utexas.edu/
http://www.lbjlibrary.org/carpenter

Implementation of Simple Measures Aboard U.S. Vessels has Resulted in the Decline in the Success of Somali Pirate Attacks

19 Mar 2010 21:30 Africa/Lagos

State Department Official Says Implementation of Simple Measures Aboard U.S. Vessels has Resulted in the Decline in the Success of Somali Pirate Attacks

Dateline/City: March 19, 2010, Washington DC


Thomas M. Countryman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs


(Summary) - Countryman says U.S. Vessels must practice the rules set by the U.S. Coast Guard and Maritime Administration for their safety.


"On the United States side, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration have required U.S. flagged vessels to employ these vessel practices when they are performing very important missions of delivering United States food assistance to the horn of Africa. We think it has worked well employing these relatively simple measures, it has proven to be, we think, the important factor in a decline in the success of pirate attacks in the region."


VIDEO PROVIDED BY: U.S. Department of State

Media Contact: Nancy M. Riley , +1-202-504-6406, rileynm@state.gov

An Open Letter to Nigerian Christians and Muslims on the Violence in Nigeria

The Nigerian Armed Forces failed to prevent recurrent violent sectarian attacks in Nigeria.

An Open Letter to Nigerian Christians and Muslims on the Violence in Nigeria

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Dear Christians and Muslims in Nigeria,

As much as many people have tried to dismiss the sectarian motives and implications of the political crisis plaguing Nigeria, the facts have shown that religion has become a political weapon in Nigeria and the worst hit have been innocent Christians in the northern states and middle belt of Nigeria.

Most of the accused have been identified as the Hausa Fulanis in Nigeria.
Please, see the full page public announcement of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) with the title “For how long will this continue”, published on page 26 of The Punch newspaper of Friday March 19, 2010.
This was not the first time that the PFN would raise such an alarm in the news media because of the recurrent violence in Plateau state and unprovoked incessant Attacks on Christians lives and properties in northern states. We have all seen before our very eyes that the Nigerian government has failed woefully to stop these sectarian attacks and should be held responsible for the loss of thousands of lives and properties over the years.

The political jobbers and political contractors in power cannot save us; therefore we must save ourselves before it is too late.

We have a Muslim receptionist named Aisha and she respects me as much as I respect her and I often remind her of Jumat every Friday and tell her to pray for me. And God knows that I can do anything to protect her even though I am a bona fide Christian.
Most of the security guards in Lagos are Muslim Hausas and I ask that if we can rely on them for our security, then why should we not make those in the middle belt and northern states of Nigeria reason with us?

These horrifying and terrifying sectarian clashes and attacks were uncommon during the regime of Gen. Yakubu Gowon who is from the middle belt of Nigeria.
Nigeria was at peace after the civil war until the coup of July 29, 1975 led by the late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed (November 8, 1938–February 13, 1976). That unfortunate coup was the beginning of the nightmares of Nigerians and since then Nigerians have never enjoyed peaceful co-existence till date.

The horrible and terrible evils of the past will continue to haunt us, but the most important thing is for us to face the truth.
We are either our best friends or worst enemies.
We either learn to live and work together in peace or break up in pieces.
The choice is ours and not that of any political party or government.
Except we are accursed fools, then we can continue to fool ourselves by preaching lies and practicing terrorism and making false allegation and accusations like devils. Because only accursed devils continue to do evils in rebellion against love and peace.
No pastor or prophet has sent us to attack and kill innocent people.

Our destinies are not in the stars, but in our own hands.


In conclusion, may I share the following letter from my good friend Rev. David Smith of Australia, because the message will help us in Nigeria.

Hi Michael,

I'm sorry it's been so long since I touched base.

I'm afraid I've just been flat out of late, As you probably know, I've been spending a lot of timetrying to support my mate, the local Islamic Sheikh. We've had very positive media coverage in Australia,with two interviews on ABC TV and feature articles inall the major Australian newspapers, and we've startedto get the attention of the international media too.

The further I go with this the more mysterious it gets.I currently have three Middle-Eastern men who want tomeet with me privately to show me previously-undiscosed doc.uments relevant to this case.

I'm being advised by all my mates (including Sheikh) to watch my back. But I don't want to sacrifice the chanceto uncover the truth about where the accusations against my mate really originated from.

Anyway, I've been tracking all updates in the media on http://www.savethesheikh.com.

Check in there to take a look at the latest TV segments, links to articles, etc.

I'll also be confirming on that site the details of our'Save the Sheikh BBQ', scheduled for Palm Sunday arvo (March 28th) and a Prayer Vigil that we intend to hold here on Easter Saturday - praying for justice for the Sheikh and for relationships between Christians, Muslims and people of all faiths and cultures in our community.

And of course I'm doing my best to put all this together in a new ezine for you. I really had hoped to have it in your virtual hands by today, but keep an eye on your inbox and hopefully I'll have something for you in the next couple of days. :-)

And keep my in your prayers. As you can probably guess, standing up for a Muslim cleric is not the most popularthing I've ever done. I'm losing track of the number ofnasty emails and phone calls I've received (all fromChristian people) but no one has threatened to take my life or hurt my family as yet, so I must be thankful. :-)

God willing, I'll be in contact in the next day or twowith that new ezine! Until then, may the Lord bless and strengthen you for the work to which you have been called.

Yours in the Good Fight,
Dave

dave@fatherdave.org
www.fatherdave.org

Sculpture of Girl Killed in Car Crash Stolen From School

18 Mar 2010 19:36 Africa/Lagos

Sculpture of Girl Killed in Car Crash Stolen From School

LONDON, March 18, 2010/PRNewswire/ --


- With Photo


We wanted to make an e-mail statement regarding the theft of the sculpture of our daughter Camilla in the early hours of Thursday 11th March.


Both my wife and I are absolutely devastated and numb with shock with regard to what has happened. The sculpture was paid for by donations to Camilla's memorial fund following her tragic death in a car accident on June 28th 2003. Camilla was a very popular and very happy pupil at Felsted School. Although none of you knew her personally, if you had, you would have been touched by her kindness, her generosity, her zest for life and her ability to see the good in every person she came into contact with. She was a very successful young sportswoman representing both school and county at hockey and would have been a very successful individual in whatever she did until her life was cut so tragically short.


The sculpture was commissioned as a sign to recognise her beautiful and positive outlook of her too short life. The sculpture was a positive statement celebrating her life and was a very popular commission supported by the school and all of her friends. For us as parents, we felt that her legacy would live on in an environment where she was so happy.


With regard to the theft, words fail us to describe our thoughts of the people who committed this crime. However, we want to focus our efforts on trying to get the sculpture back and would suggest this may be possible if all parties pull together in the same direction. The sculpture is the responsibility of the school so my wife and I do not intend to be interviewed or want to make any statement. This is the responsibility of the school and I have spoken to the Headmaster, Dr Mike Walker, who is fully supportive of our actions. In fact, he has already been interviewed by the BBC and this has appeared on television as well as their website (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/8574274.stm).


We have sent details of the theft to the British Metals Recycling Association, the body that monitors the industry and they have promised to send out details to their members. Apparently, metal theft is a serious crime now but the perpetrators have no conscience as to what they steal and the money they make in selling on such a precious item as "scrap" is minimal.


We believe that the media will be interested in this as the original events surrounding the accident was high profile in both the local and national media. I feel that the media should contact the school for comment and any views on the circumstances of the theft. We are hoping that this be reported in as many newspapers as possible, in the hope that this precious sculpture can be returned to the people who love it most. It is almost a week now since the theft, so your urgent assistance is greatly appreciated.


I am willing to accept phone calls to talk but neither my wife or I want to be interviewed in front of cameras or microphones.


In anticipation, thank you for your help, in trying to recover this beautiful piece that represents such a beautiful, wonderful and kind person.


A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.



Kind regards

David Hamilton
+44(0)7720-898524

Source: Protel

David Hamilton, +44(0)7720-898524

Should You Pay Traffic Tickets Issued by Speeding Ticket or Red Light Cameras?

19 Mar 2010 14:00 Africa/Lagos

Should You Pay Traffic Tickets Issued by Speeding Ticket or Red Light Cameras?

ENCINO, Calif., March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Mr. Ticket's answer is a "conditional no." The question refers to the citation or photograph you receive in the mail informing you of a recorded violation in the case of a camera, VASCAR, or other mechanical evidence record. It is always in your best interest to fight traffic tickets. If you pay the citation by mail, it is construed as an admission of guilt and the maximum fine allowable by law is imposed. If you take your case to a traffic ticket attorney, there is a chance the court may downgrade the offense or dismiss traffic ticket violation without you having to even be present in court.


California is a unique case compared to other states regarding traffic tickets. There are defenses possible to fight traffic tickets that are common knowledge to a California traffic ticket attorney who specializes in fighting a traffic ticket. Your best option is to retain counsel that is a traffic ticket lawyer, qualified and certified to beat traffic ticket violations as your legal representative. A traffic ticket defense attorney is a specialist; aware of current law and established precedence that are most likely to result in a reduced fine, a reduction or elimination of additional points on your driver's license.


Whether you fight red light ticket citations or try to beat speeding ticket, do yourself a favor: Retain a California traffic ticket attorney. The amount of money you spend on a traffic ticket lawyer is a fraction of the cost of the potential fine, increased insurance premiums and a possible criminal record.


Realize that traffic citations are a massive revenue generator for the police department, the courts, city, county and state. Traffic tickets are rarely issued to ensure the public safety. Literally billions of dollars and hundreds of millions of tickets are issued each year with the intent of separating you from your money. Don't make it any easier on them by simply writing a check and sending it to the court. The burden of proof is on the state, regardless of your guilt or innocence. Make them prove their case. Fighting a traffic ticket in court is your right. Don't squander the opportunity.


Internet Marketing by Avital Web, SEO Company in California


Source: Mr. Ticket

CONTACT: Amir Soleimanian, 1-866-780-1234, for Mr. Ticket


Web Site: http://www.4mrticket.com/

ACP-EU / Second revision of the Cotonou Agreement

19 Mar 2010 05:31 Africa/Lagos


ACP-EU / Second revision of the Cotonou Agreement


BRUSSELS, March 18, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- A ministerial meeting on the revision of the ACP-EU partnership agreement will take place on Friday 19 March in Brussels at 11.00, chaired by Ms. Soraya Rodríguez, Spanish secretary of state for international cooperation and by Mr. Paul Bunduku-Latha, deputy minister for economy, trade, industry and tourism of Gabon. Representatives of 27 EU member states and 78 ACP states are due to participate, alongside the European Commission and the secretariat of the ACP group.


The meeting will finalise the second revision of the Cotonou Agreement, launched on 29 May 2009. The accord constitutes the foundation for the special relationship between the EU and 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The formal adoption of the revised accord is planned for the next ACP-EU ministerial Council in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso, in June.


The partnership agreement is aimed at reducing and eventually eradicating poverty as well as at sustainable development and the gradual integration of ACP countries into the world economy. The partnership is based on three pillars: development cooperation, economic and trade cooperation and the political dimension.


The European Development Fund (EDF) is the main instrument for development aid to ACP states, with the 10th EDF providing for EUR 22.7bn in the period 2008-2013. In addition, ACP countries benefit from interventions of the European Investment Bank and of the EU development cooperation instrument. The agreement also provides for a political dialogue between the EU and ACP states on the basis of human rights, democratic principles and respect for the rule of law.


The second revision of the Cotonou Agreement is due to reinforce provisions against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and against new security threats, such as organised crime and trafficking of people, drugs and weapons.

As part of the review, cooperation in the area of migration could be strengthened. This includes work on issues like remittances and brain drain as well as on legal and illegal migration, e.g. smuggling and trafficking of human beings, border management and readmission. Negotiations for a relevant appendix to the accord will continue and could be concluded in autumn.

In addition, the review will:


− strengthen possibilities to support the development of aquaculture and fisheries sectors in ACP states;


− promote support to ACP countries for scaling up the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic;


− improve opportunities to assist ACP states in adapting to global warming and in integrating climate change into their development strategies;


− accelerate work towards mutual recognition of higher education qualifications;


− reinforce regional cooperation within the ACP group.

A joint declaration on development assistance after the expiry of the 10th EDF is also due to be adopted.

The ACP-EU partnership agreement was signed on 23 June 2000 in Cotonou, Benin. It was concluded for a period of 20 years and provides for reviews every five years; the first revision was signed in Luxembourg in 2005. The accord replaced four successive Lomé conventions that had constituted the basis of trade relations with and development aid to ACP states since 1975.


The ACP group comprises 48 countries from sub-Saharan Africa, 15 from the Caribbean and 15 from the Pacific:

Angola - Antigua and Barbuda - Belize - Cape Verde - Comoros - Bahamas - Barbados - Benin - Botswana - Burkina Faso - Burundi - Cameroon - Central African Republic - Chad - Congo(Brazzaville) - Congo (Kinshasa) - Cook Islands - Ivory Coast - Cuba - Djibouti - Dominica - Dominican Republic - Eritrea - Ethiopia - Fiji - Gabon - Gambia - Ghana - Grenada - Republic of Guinea - Guinea-Bissau - Equatorial Guinea - Guyana - Haiti - Jamaica - Kenya - Kiribati - Lesotho - Liberia - Madagascar - Malawi - Mali - Marshall Islands - Mauritania - Mauritius - Micronesia - Mozambique - Namibia - Nauru - Niger - Nigeria - Niue - Palau - Papua New Guinea - Rwanda - St. Kitts and Nevis - St. Lucia - St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Solomon Islands - Samoa - Sao Tome and Principe - Senegal - Seychelles - Sierra Leone - Somalia - South Africa - Sudan - Suriname - Swaziland - Tanzania - Timor Leste - Togo - Tonga - Trinidad and Tobago - Tuvalu - Uganda - Vanuatu - Zambia - Zimbabwe.


Press conference: +/- 13.30

Initialling of the agreement (TV/Photo opportunity): +/- 12.45

Source: European Council